Wild Honey hunting is one of the unique tourism products in Nepal. Wild honey has been a source of food and income for mountain people for centuries. Only now has the honey hunting activity garnered special attention as a tourism attraction.
Ludi in Lamjung district is one such village where wild honey hunting is organized regularly. The village is inhabited by ethnic Gurung people who are known for their traditional lifestyle and honey hunting skills.
The surrounding cliffs in Ludi are home to hundreds of wild bee hives. These cliffs can range up to 200m in height. When the honey becomes available for harvesting either in Spring or Autumn, local honey hunters gather around and fixed a pious date for honey hunting as per their astrological calendar.
Experienced honey hunters fix ropes on the cliffs and create scaffolding using bamboo poles. Every material used for the purpose is sourced traditionally. The acrobatic skills displayed by honey hunters while collecting the honey from such high cliffs is thrilling to watch. The whole village celebrates this occasion with colorful festivities.
In addition to enjoying the taste of wild Himalayan honey, tourists can also learn about Gurung culture and tradition and partake in local delicacies. The village also has beautiful waterfalls and pristine forests and wildlife.
Ludi is easily accessible by road and offers good accommodation facilities, which makes it a perfect place for watching wild honey hunting. Honey hunting usually takes place here in the month of October/November and May/June. You will have to book in advance to participate in honey hunting trips..
After completing early morning breakfast, our guide will pick you up from your hotel and take you to bus station. Drive from Kathmandu to Nadi (930m) via Bhulbhule takes about 7 hours. The journey will follow Trisuli River enjoying beautiful views of rafting, cable car, hydropower, surrounding green hills and villages. We will also pass through tunnel along the way. Nadi is a village on the lap of a cliff. Stay overnight at lodge.
After breakfast we start our trek uphill and after 45 minutes we come upon a traditional Gurung village named Thulbesi. Further ahead you will cross Nadi Khola and climb up to Serabesi village and finally to Tarchok village surrounded by hills on all sides. Another 1 hr trek of slow ascent will reach Ludi (1800m). Once in Ludi we will make necessary preparation for honey hunting. In the evening, you will welcomed by Mother’s Group and invited to participate in cultural program performed by local Gurung community. Stay overnight at lodge.
Today you will be involved in full day Honey Hunting activities. At the start you will watch honey hunters pray and offer worship to the nature. You will follow honey hunters for 3 hrs uphill trek through dense forest and finally reach the honey hunting spot called Dahare bhir or cliff. Watch the enthralling and adventurous honey hunting activity as honey hunters climb down cliffs with the help of bamboo ropes after collecting honey. The honey is collected in a bamboo basket. In the evening you will enjoy tasting wild honey to your filling. Stay overnight at lodge.
After breakfast you will descend down to Besisahar (823m.). The walk will be gentle with great views of villages and green hills. The entire journey takes about 5 hrs. Stay overnight at lodge.
Today you start your return journey from Besishar early morning. It takes 7 hrs drive from Besisahar to Kathmandu. The route follows banks of the Marshyangdi and Trishuli rivers with splendid views of green hills, mountains, farming terraces and colorful villages on both sides of road.
Below is a list of equipment and clothing required for Honey Hunting. The necessity of these items depends on the type, altitude, timing and destination. Appropriate gears are not only required for the comfort/pleasure of your trip but also to improve safety factor. Please have a look over these items in order to fully prepare and thoroughly enjoy the honey hunting trip.
General Items:
Daypack, Rucksack, Sleeping bag, Duffel bag, Walking Poles, walking boots, sandals, Toiletries (Soaps, Toilet papers, Sanitizers, toothpaste, tooth brush, etc.)
Clothing Items:
Thermal underwear, Down jacket, Shorts, Trekking trousers, Towels, Woolen gloves, Gaiters, Fleece jacket or Pullover, Wind/water proof jacket, Raincoat, Warm socks
Sun-worn Items:
Sun hat, Sunglasses, Snow goggles, Sunscreen, Lip balm
Gadgets:
Headlamp, Flash light, Binoculars, Cameras (chargers and batteries)
Liquid/Snacks:
Water bottle/bladder, Water purification Iodine tablets, Energy bars and snacks
Medical Essentials:
First Aid Kit
Optional:
Altimeter, Compass, Binoculars, Books/magazines, GPS, Pocket knife, Candles (for lodges), Notebook with pencil/pen, etc
Additional items for camping:
Tent, Stove and fuel, Utensils for cooking, eating and drinking, sleeping mattresses
Note: We can also provide sleeping bag, down jacket, duffel bag, walking poles, and First Aid Kit in case if you don’t have one. These items are inclusive of total package price.
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